Financial Shortfalls Leave Schools Without Basic Security Upgrades
West Virginia’s public schools face a significant challenge in meeting the security needs necessary to protect students and staff, with financial limitations hindering their ability to implement crucial safety measures. The state’s education department has reported that schools need $258 million in state funding for the current school year alone to address these safety concerns, but local tax revenues and funding sources are insufficient to cover these costs.
Key Security Needs
One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of secure school entries, also known as “mantraps,” which include two interlocking doors and a control system to prevent unauthorized entry. As of the latest report, 272 schools in the state do not have these vital safety features.
Jonah Adkins, director of the West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Safety and Tiered Support Systems, explained the financial barrier: “We have no money to give,” referring to the state’s inability to fund these critical upgrades.
Rising Threats and Inadequate Funding
The urgency of the situation has been compounded by an uptick in school threats across the state. In response, Governor Jim Justice established a school safety task force in September to address growing concerns. The task force has identified several areas in need of attention, including weapon detection systems, security cameras, and secure windows and doors. However, despite the growing need, the state’s financial contribution to school safety is limited.
Governor Justice proposed an additional $1 million in funding for school safety, but state leaders have acknowledged that this amount is insufficient to meet the current needs. Although lawmakers have allocated hundreds of millions in previous budgets for safety, the funds have not been enough to cover all of the required upgrades.
Challenges with Local Funding
State lawmakers, including Del. Joe Ellington (R-Mercer), expressed frustration over the slow pace of security improvements, questioning why schools have not been able to complete basic safety measures like mantraps. Education leaders explained that local counties are financially struggling due to a loss of students and increasing reliance on education savings accounts, which have further strained school budgets.
Micah Whitlow, director of the WVDE’s Office of School Facilities, emphasized that the overall cost of security upgrades is prohibitive for many counties. The cost of installing secure entryways alone is estimated at $87 million, with additional funding needed for window and door security, cameras, and weapon detection systems.
Legislative Action and Potential Solutions
In response to the funding gap, lawmakers have expressed a growing sense of responsibility to address the issue. Del. Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha) noted that if counties cannot afford these upgrades, it is up to the state legislature to step in and provide the necessary funding.
While there are some grants available for safety upgrades, Adkins pointed out that these funds are limited in scope and may not be sufficient to cover all of the schools’ needs. The state must prioritize investments in school security, with a particular focus on securing school entries and improving emergency access routes.
Looking Ahead
Adkins recommended a phased approach to addressing the long list of safety needs, suggesting that the state work together to prioritize and allocate resources over time. Although immediate funding may not be available for all of the necessary upgrades, steady progress can be made if legislators continue to prioritize school safety in the coming years.
West Virginia’s schools remain in urgent need of resources to protect students and staff, and without adequate state support, it will be difficult for districts to implement essential safety measures.
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